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The policies varied from simply not addressing folate levels to providing targeted folate supplements after screening for B12 deficiencies. Our analysis, based on a five-year intervention modeled from the China Stroke Primary Prevention Trial, found that the most effective strategy combined folate supplementation with screening for both folate and B12 deficiencies.
This combination not only helped prevent strokes but also ensured that those with B12 deficiency received appropriate treatment. The implications of this research suggest that adopting integrated screening approaches could greatly enhance public nutrition strategies, ultimately saving costs and improving health outcomes for at-risk populations.
The findings revealed a noteworthy 10% reduction in stroke risk for those taking folic acid, suggesting that this vitamin plays a beneficial role in safeguarding against strokes. Interestingly, the effectiveness varied depending on whether the participants lived in areas where grains were fortified with folate. We observed a more significant impact in regions without fortified grains, highlighting that the local dietary context matters.
Furthermore, our analysis indicated that individuals without a prior history of stroke or heart issues experienced the most benefits from folic acid. These results emphasize the importance of individualized approaches to stroke prevention, considering both diet and personal health history. Overall, this substantial collection of trials supports the notion that folic acid could be a valuable component in stroke prevention strategies.
Our findings revealed that administering THF helps restore cognitive function after ICH. By using specially designed Nestin-GFP mice, we observed that THF not only spurs the growth of neural stem cells in the hippocampus but also promotes the creation of new neurons. This enhancement in neurogenesis is crucial for cognitive health.
On a mechanistic level, we discovered that THF reduces elevated levels of the protein PTEN, which is known to inhibit cell growth, while simultaneously increasing the levels of phosphorylated AKT and mTOR—proteins essential for cell survival and growth. Additionally, by conditionally removing PTEN from hippocampal neural stem cells, we noticed a reduction in the negative effects ICH typically has on the proliferation of these cells and on neurogenesis.
Overall, our study sheds light on the potential of THF as a therapeutic option for those recovering from hemorrhagic strokes, providing valuable insights into how we might help improve recovery for affected individuals.
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In contrast, elevated homocysteine levels significantly increased the risk, suggesting that homocysteine may mediate some benefits of folate. Overall, maintaining high folate levels may play a protective role following ischemic stroke.
The policies varied from simply not addressing folate levels to providing targeted folate supplements after screening for B12 deficiencies. Our analysis, based on a five-year intervention modeled from the China Stroke Primary Prevention Trial, found that the most effective strategy combined folate supplementation with screening for both folate and B12 deficiencies.
This combination not only helped prevent strokes but also ensured that those with B12 deficiency received appropriate treatment. The implications of this research suggest that adopting integrated screening approaches could greatly enhance public nutrition strategies, ultimately saving costs and improving health outcomes for at-risk populations.
Our findings revealed that higher folate levels were linked to a significantly lower risk of death and major disability three months after a stroke. Specifically, patients in the highest quartile of folate had a 29% reduced risk of experiencing adverse outcomes compared to those with the lowest levels.
On the flip side, elevated homocysteine levels seemed to indicate a higher risk; those in the top quartile had a 52% increased chance of facing the primary outcome. After adjusting for various factors, the results still highlighted that while folate may offer protective benefits, some of these effects might be mediated through homocysteine.
In summary, maintaining high levels of folate could be beneficial for stroke patients, potentially reducing their chances of serious complications.
The findings revealed a noteworthy 10% reduction in stroke risk for those taking folic acid, suggesting that this vitamin plays a beneficial role in safeguarding against strokes. Interestingly, the effectiveness varied depending on whether the participants lived in areas where grains were fortified with folate. We observed a more significant impact in regions without fortified grains, highlighting that the local dietary context matters.
Furthermore, our analysis indicated that individuals without a prior history of stroke or heart issues experienced the most benefits from folic acid. These results emphasize the importance of individualized approaches to stroke prevention, considering both diet and personal health history. Overall, this substantial collection of trials supports the notion that folic acid could be a valuable component in stroke prevention strategies.
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Frequently Asked Questions
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients. This can happen in two primary ways: an ischemic stroke, which occurs when a blood vessel supplying blood to the brain is obstructed, often due to a blood clot; and a hemorrhagic stroke, which occurs when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, leading to bleeding in or around the brain. The severity and outcome of a stroke can vary widely depending on the type, location, and amount of brain tissue affected, as well as the speed with which medical treatment is received.
Recognizing the symptoms of a stroke is crucial for prompt treatment and recovery. Common signs include sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body, confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech, vision problems in one or both eyes, and difficulty walking, which may include dizziness or loss of balance coordination. The acronym FAST can help remember the key signs: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, and Time to call emergency services. If you or someone you know exhibits these symptoms, it's vital to seek immediate medical attention, as timely intervention can significantly improve outcomes.
Folic acid, also known as vitamin B9, is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in many bodily functions, particularly in the synthesis of DNA and RNA. It is essential for cell division and is especially important during periods of rapid growth, such as during pregnancy and infancy. The body cannot produce folic acid on its own, which is why it must be obtained from dietary sources or supplements. Commonly found in leafy green vegetables, legumes, seeds, and fortified foods, folic acid is vital for preventing neural tube defects in developing fetuses and is often recommended for women of childbearing age.
In addition to its key role in pregnancy, folic acid contributes to the production of red blood cells and can help reduce the risk of certain types of anemia. Research has also suggested that adequate folic acid levels may be associated with lowered risk of heart disease and other health issues. Most health organizations recommend a daily intake of 400 micrograms for adults, with higher amounts suggested for pregnant women. Incorporating folate-rich foods into your diet, or considering supplementation, can help ensure you meet your folic acid needs.
Folic acid, a B vitamin essential for DNA synthesis and repair, has been the subject of research concerning its potential role in stroke prevention and recovery. Several studies suggest that folic acid may lower the risk of stroke by helping to reduce homocysteine levels in the blood; elevated homocysteine levels have been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, including stroke. Consuming adequate amounts of folic acid, particularly through dietary sources such as leafy greens, legumes, and fortified cereals, could therefore be beneficial for overall heart health and stroke prevention.
However, it’s important to note that while folic acid may offer a protective effect, it should not be considered a standalone solution for stroke prevention. A comprehensive approach that includes a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and other lifestyle modifications is crucial. Moreover, if you are considering taking folic acid supplements, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional to ensure appropriateness based on individual health conditions.
Scientific research supports the role of folic acid in stroke prevention and recovery, particularly indicating that it may significantly lower the risk of strokes and improve outcomes for affected individuals. A comprehensive meta-analysis involving over 115,000 participants found that folic acid supplementation resulted in a 10% reduction in stroke risk, particularly effective in populations without grain fortification ([25]). Furthermore, higher serum folate levels were associated with a remarkable 29% lower risk of severe complications following ischemic strokes ([20]). Studies also emphasize the mediating role of homocysteine levels in this relationship, indicating that maintaining adequate folate can be critical in managing stroke risk and outcomes.
Moreover, specific genetic factors can impact how well individuals respond to folic acid treatment, as evidenced by research showing significant benefits for certain genotypes in individuals with low plateletcrit, reducing stroke risk by up to 66% ([27]). In light of these findings, folic acid emerges as a potential key player in both the prevention and management of strokes, suggesting that individuals, especially those at higher risk, might benefit from folate-rich diets or targeted supplementation, particularly in areas where folate intake is insufficient.
Based on user reviews, several individuals have reported positive improvements in their health after using folic acid supplements. For instance, one user highlighted that regular consumption of folic acid was effective in normalizing blood pressure and lowering cholesterol levels, which can substantially reduce the risk of stroke and cardiovascular issues (Read Review). Additionally, another reviewer mentioned that the supplement protects blood vessels from damage, thereby contributing to a lower risk of heart disease and stroke (Read Review).
While these experiences point to beneficial effects of folic acid, it is important to note that individual results can vary. Some users have expressed concerns about the safety of folic acid, advocating for natural intake of folate from whole foods instead (Read Review). As with any supplement, it's advisable to consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.
According to research, the optimal dosage for folic acid in stroke prevention appears to be around 0.8 mg per day, particularly when combined with vitamin B12 at a dose of 0.4 mg per day. This combination has shown significant effectiveness in reducing stroke risk, especially in populations without grain fortification, where participants experienced a 34% reduction in risk [28]. Furthermore, individuals with specific genetic backgrounds, such as those possessing the TT genotype of the MTHFR gene and low plateletcrit levels, exhibited remarkable benefits with folic acid treatment, reducing their stroke risk by up to 66% [27].
It’s essential to consider that while supplementation might yield substantial benefits in certain groups, dietary sources of folic acid play a crucial role in stroke prevention as well. Higher dietary folate levels are consistently associated with lower stroke risks, demonstrating a 17% reduction in stroke events [22]. Overall, a balanced intake of folic acid, particularly in a personalized approach based on genetic and environmental factors, is vital for effectively managing stroke risk.
The findings revealed a noteworthy 10% reduction in stroke risk for those taking folic acid, suggesting that this vitamin plays a beneficial role in safeguarding against strokes. Interestingly, the effectiveness varied depending on whether the participants lived in areas where grains were fortified with folate. We observed a more significant impact in regions without fortified grains, highlighting that the local dietary context matters.
Furthermore, our analysis indicated that individuals without a prior history of stroke or heart issues experienced the most benefits from folic acid. These results emphasize the importance of individualized approaches to stroke prevention, considering both diet and personal health history. Overall, this substantial collection of trials supports the notion that folic acid could be a valuable component in stroke prevention strategies.
Our findings revealed that higher folate levels were linked to a significantly lower risk of death and major disability three months after a stroke. Specifically, patients in the highest quartile of folate had a 29% reduced risk of experiencing adverse outcomes compared to those with the lowest levels.
On the flip side, elevated homocysteine levels seemed to indicate a higher risk; those in the top quartile had a 52% increased chance of facing the primary outcome. After adjusting for various factors, the results still highlighted that while folate may offer protective benefits, some of these effects might be mediated through homocysteine.
In summary, maintaining high levels of folate could be beneficial for stroke patients, potentially reducing their chances of serious complications.
Our findings revealed that individuals with low plateletcrit and the TT genotype had the highest rate of strokes. This particular group, interestingly, showed a significant benefit from folic acid treatment, reducing their risk of a first stroke by 66%. Moreover, those with low plateletcrit alongside the CC or CT genotypes also experienced benefits from folic acid, showing a 60% reduction in stroke risk.
Therefore, assessing plateletcrit levels could be crucial for doctors in identifying patients who would gain the most from folic acid treatment. The study underscores the potential of folate in stroke prevention, particularly for individuals at a greater risk.
Specifically, we discovered that participants in areas with limited or no folic acid fortification experienced a significant reduction in stroke risk—34% for those without fortification and 11% for those with partial fortification. However, it's worth noting that populations in fortified areas did not show a similar benefit from the combined supplementation.
The study also suggested an optimal dosage for those seeking to reduce stroke risks: keeping folic acid intake to 0.8 mg per day and vitamin B12 to no more than 0.4 mg per day seemed most effective in the relevant populations. Overall, these findings support the idea that combining specific B vitamins can play a beneficial role in preventing strokes, particularly in areas lacking sufficient folate.
From our review, we found that a diet rich in folic acid is linked to a significant 17% reduction in the risk of stroke. This effect was particularly strong in regions without grain fortification, where people might not be getting enough folic acid through enriched foods.
However, the results were different for those taking folic acid supplements. In our analysis of RCTs, which included over 75,000 people, we found no overall evidence that folic acid supplements helped prevent stroke. Yet, similar to dietary findings, supplements did show a positive effect in areas without grain fortification.
In summary, while dietary folic acid appears effective for stroke prevention, the same cannot be confidently said for folic acid supplementation, unless in specific regions lacking grain fortification.
References
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- Liang Z, Fan F, Liu B, Li K, Chen H, et al. Association Between Serum Folate Concentrations and 10-Year Stroke Risk in a Prospective Community Cohort: Mediation and Interaction Analyses. Nutrients. 2024;17. doi:10.3390/nu17010159
- Chen X, Bishai D. Revisiting cost-effectiveness of folic acid supplementation in primary stroke prevention in China: considering vitamin B12 deficiency masking issue. BMC Public Health. 2024;24:3540. doi:10.1186/s12889-024-21005-7
- Kadali S, Radhika A, Kanaka Durga Devi YR, Sreemanthula JB, Palakonda G, et al. High penetrance and phenotypic landscape of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase c.665 C>T polymorphism in the absence of folate fortification. Clin Nutr ESPEN. 2025;65:126. doi:10.1016/j.clnesp.2024.11.027
- Shi M, Zheng J, Liu Y, Mao X, Wu X, et al. Folate, Homocysteine, and Adverse Outcomes After Ischemic Stroke. J Am Heart Assoc. 2024;13:e036527. doi:10.1161/JAHA.124.036527
- Yaldiko A, Coonrod S, Marella P, Hurley L, Jadavji NM. Maternal dietary deficiencies in folic acid or choline reduce primary neuron viability after exposure to hypoxia through increased levels of apoptosis. Nutr Neurosci. 2024. doi:10.1080/1028415X.2024.2398365
- Yang J, Wang J, Li B, Zhang Y. Folic acid for the primary prevention of stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Nutr. 2024;11:1288417. doi:10.3389/fnut.2024.1288417
- Zhang N, Zhou Z, Chi X, Fan F, Li S, et al. Folic acid supplementation for stroke prevention: A systematic review and meta-analysis of 21 randomized clinical trials worldwide. Clin Nutr. 2024;43:1706. doi:10.1016/j.clnu.2024.05.034
- Zhang X, Zhang Q, Zhang Q, Wang H, Yin Y, et al. Tetrahydrofolate Attenuates Cognitive Impairment after Hemorrhagic Stroke by Promoting Hippocampal Neurogenesis via PTEN Signaling. eNeuro. 2024;11. doi:10.1523/ENEURO.0021-24.2024
- Shi Y, Zhang Z, Wang B, Wang Y, Kong X, et al. Effect of plateletcrit and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T genotypes on folic acid efficacy in stroke prevention. Signal Transduct Target Ther. 2024;9:110. doi:10.1038/s41392-024-01817-0
- Zhang N, Wu Z, Bai X, Song Y, Li P, et al. Dosage exploration of combined B-vitamin supplementation in stroke prevention: a meta-analysis and systematic review. Am J Clin Nutr. 2024;119:821. doi:10.1016/j.ajcnut.2023.12.021
- Chi X, Zhang N, Fan F, Jia J, Zheng J, et al. Systemic immune-inflammation index predicts first stroke and affects the efficacy of folic acid in stroke prevention. Heliyon. 2024;10:e24837. doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24837
- Nri-Ezedi CA, Ulasi T, Efobi CC, Aneke JC, Ugwu N, et al. Bloodless management of significantly elevated transcranial Doppler velocity value in a Jehovah's witness child with sickle cell disease: A tertiary centre experience-A case report. J Natl Med Assoc. 2024;116:247. doi:10.1016/j.jnma.2024.01.016
- Li ZC, Huang M, Yao QY, Lin CH, Hong BC, et al. Association between Gene Polymorphisms and the Efficacy of Vitamin Therapy in lowering Homocysteine Levels among Stroke Patients with Hyperhomocysteinemia. J Integr Neurosci. 2024;23:3. doi:10.31083/j.jin2301003
- Wang P, Huang Y, Sun B, Chen H, Ma Y, et al. Folic acid blocks ferroptosis induced by cerebral ischemia and reperfusion through regulating folate hydrolase transcriptional adaptive program. J Nutr Biochem. 2024;124:109528. doi:10.1016/j.jnutbio.2023.109528
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- Chen X, Bishai D. Revisiting cost-effectiveness of folic acid supplementation in primary stroke prevention in China: considering vitamin B12 deficiency masking issue. BMC Public Health. 2024;24:3540. doi:10.1186/s12889-024-21005-7
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- Shi M, Zheng J, Liu Y, Mao X, Wu X, et al. Folate, Homocysteine, and Adverse Outcomes After Ischemic Stroke. J Am Heart Assoc. 2024;13:e036527. doi:10.1161/JAHA.124.036527
- Yaldiko A, Coonrod S, Marella P, Hurley L, Jadavji NM. Maternal dietary deficiencies in folic acid or choline reduce primary neuron viability after exposure to hypoxia through increased levels of apoptosis. Nutr Neurosci. 2024. doi:10.1080/1028415X.2024.2398365
- Yang J, Wang J, Li B, Zhang Y. Folic acid for the primary prevention of stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Nutr. 2024;11:1288417. doi:10.3389/fnut.2024.1288417
- Zhou L, Wang J, Wu H, Yu P, He Z, et al. Serum levels of vitamin B12 combined with folate and plasma total homocysteine predict ischemic stroke disease: a retrospective case-control study. Nutr J. 2024;23:76. doi:10.1186/s12937-024-00977-7
- Moti Wala S, AlEdani EM, Samuel EA, Ahmad K, Manongi NJ, et al. Exploring the Nexus: A Systematic Review on the Interplay of the Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (MTHFR) Gene C677T Genotype, Hyperhomocysteinemia, and Spontaneous Cervical/Vertebral Artery Dissection in Young Adults. Cureus. 2024;16:e60878. doi:10.7759/cureus.60878
- Zhang N, Zhou Z, Chi X, Fan F, Li S, et al. Folic acid supplementation for stroke prevention: A systematic review and meta-analysis of 21 randomized clinical trials worldwide. Clin Nutr. 2024;43:1706. doi:10.1016/j.clnu.2024.05.034
- Zhang X, Zhang Q, Zhang Q, Wang H, Yin Y, et al. Tetrahydrofolate Attenuates Cognitive Impairment after Hemorrhagic Stroke by Promoting Hippocampal Neurogenesis via PTEN Signaling. eNeuro. 2024;11. doi:10.1523/ENEURO.0021-24.2024
- Shi Y, Zhang Z, Wang B, Wang Y, Kong X, et al. Effect of plateletcrit and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T genotypes on folic acid efficacy in stroke prevention. Signal Transduct Target Ther. 2024;9:110. doi:10.1038/s41392-024-01817-0
- Zhang N, Wu Z, Bai X, Song Y, Li P, et al. Dosage exploration of combined B-vitamin supplementation in stroke prevention: a meta-analysis and systematic review. Am J Clin Nutr. 2024;119:821. doi:10.1016/j.ajcnut.2023.12.021
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